TV host Lorraine Kelly continually misgendered Grammy Award winner Sam Smith on her show for their red-carpet look at the Barbie premiere. Smith who chooses to go by ‘they/them’ pronouns was continuously referred to as ‘he/him’ by the Lorraine host which has left fans angered.
Lorraine Kelly Addresses Sam Smith As ‘He/Him’ Instead of ‘They/Them’
In 2019, Sam Smith declared themselves to be non-binary and gender-queer and announced that they would be using they/them pronouns from that point on. They wrote
“Today is a good day so here goes. I’ve decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM. After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out…”
While speaking with Zane Lowe, Smith admitted that they understand that it could be hard for some people to understand and it’s okay to take time to learn.
“I just want to create a safe space for everyone. But also, we’re all learning together,” they said.
“The pronoun thing is interesting, because mistakes happen. Even me, I make mistakes quite a lot, and it’s an uncomfortable feeling making a mistake.”
They continued,
“Editing yourself is great, but I think it’s really good for people to see you mess up… and then correct yourself. We need to lean into the uncomfortable feeling of being wrong sometimes, because it’s OK… We’re all in it together.”
Earlier this year, Smith delivered a banger for the global hit film Barbie and attended the movie’s premiere in Los Angeles, California. Red carpets and celebrities are a match made in heaven as we get to see our favorite actors in their most fashionable styles.
While the Barbie team donned pink-hued outfits, English singer-songwriter Sam Smith chose to wear an oversized sweatshirt paired with oversized jeans.
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly was discussing the Barbie premier looks with her guest, Vogue Williams when she addressed Sam Smith as ‘he/him’. On her show Lorraine, the host joked about Sam Smith’s outfit choice to be more apt for the airport than the red carpet.
She said,
“It’s a bit big for him. If he was my son, I’d be saying, ‘Son, that’s too big for you’… He’s going to stand out. He knows what he’s doing, does that fella.”
On the other hand, Williams continuously referred to Smith as they/them. But Lorraine couldn’t take a hint and continued to call the singer he or him. This instantly caused controversy among Smith’s fans who took to Twitter to express their dissent.
One user wrote,
“I guess Lorraine didn’t get the memo about Sam Smith and their chosen pronouns, awkward.”
Another one pointed out how Williams was “visibly uncomfortable” because of Lorraine’s ignorance.
“She’s normally pretty good with this stuff. Vogue looked visibly uncomfortable!!! And she seemed to be emphasising THEY too for Lorraine to pick up on it but it didn’t work!! I’m sure she’ll be upset she got it wrong.”
A user criticized Lorraine’s journalistic abilities for not identifying the famous singer by his proper pronouns.
“@reallorraine VERY lazy journalism not addressing Sam Smith with they/them pronouns… come on – seriously!!”
Lorraine responded to the tweet and assured the user that it wasn’t intentional and that she would be mindful of this. She wrote,
“Fair comment. Not in the least intentional but will take on board – thanks for bringing to my attention.”
However, this isn’t the first time the Stay With Me singer has been misgendered by another well-known personality. Earlier this year, Noel Gallagher also wrongly identified the singer while criticizing his fashion choices. He said,
“Pop music is alright if the pop stars are cool. Sadly the stars of today are f***ing idiots.”
When he was asked if there was anyone in particular he was referring to, the singer responded,
“Sam Smith, look at him!”
